Tributes have been pouring in for a young Scottish mum who died on New Year's day after falling ill with meningitis.
Bella McOuat, 24, from Glasgow, has been described as a "devoted" mother to her three-year-old son James and husband of four years, John.
She became unwell on December 30 and died two days later, reports the Daily Record.
Friend Caitlyn Daly said: "Bella was the best mum to her son, an amazing wife to her husband John, and one of the kindest people."
A second friend said: "Bella was the most beautiful woman ever, a fab mama, an amazing wife."
A third added: "So heartbreaking that Bella has been taken so young & so suddenly. She was beautiful inside & out. A devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister & friend."
Paying tribute to the long-term member of Youth Just Us and their "dear friend", Staf (Scottish Throughcare and Aftercare Forum) thanked charity Meningitis Now for the support they provided to Bella's family in recent days.
They said: "We are deeply saddened and heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Bella McOuat who died suddenly on the 1st January, 2023. Bella was a much loved long term member of Youth Just Us, who used her lived experience to improve the lives of other care and justice experienced young people.
"Over the past couple of years she has become a firm friend to many here at Staf, and in particular to her fellow Youth Just Us members and will be hugely missed by all.
"Her recent involvement at our National Conference was testament to Bella’s passion and the journey she has been on, being able to share her views on the value of friendship.
"We are so grateful to have witnessed her desire for change in action. Her beautifully written and heartfelt blog on the John Lewis Christmas ad was so well received and again, demonstrated just how much she had to give.
"We would like to pass on our thoughts and sincere condolences to Bella’s husband John, her son James and all those who knew her. Shine bright Bella. Thank you for being such a star.
"We would also like to thank Meningitis Now for being a huge support for Bella’s family during this very difficult time."
Bella was a passionate activist for young people in care and campaigned tirelessly for changes to be made to the system after growing up in care herself.
In response to the John Lewis' Christmas ad in 2022, Bella wrote a powerful blog just two months ago thanking the company for "pulling the curtain down" to show that Christmas is not perfect for everyone and for thousands of kids in care it is a "lonely" and "scary time".
She explained how difficult she often finds Christmas adverts because they remind her of being all by herself in a care home with no family to go to.
She then challenged authorities to do more to bring the magic of Christmas to children living in care.
The blog was met with an outpouring of praise from those with similar experiences, who thanked her for such honest and heartfelt words.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money towards the cost of Bella's funeral.
